<center>{{quote|This, [[Gandalf]], was '''Glamdring''', Foe-hammer that the [[Turgon|king of Gondolin]] once wore.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="shortrest"/>}}</center>

<center>{{quote|This, [[Gandalf]], was '''Glamdring''', Foe-hammer that the [[Turgon|king of Gondolin]] once wore.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="shortrest"/>}}</center>

Line 17:

Line 17:

==History==

==History==

===Beater===

===Beater===

−

Glamdring was originally borne by Turgon, the King of [[Gondolin]].<ref name="shortrest">{{H|3}}</ref> He must have wielded it with strength during the [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]] or the [[Fall of Gondolin]], for the [[Orcs]] named it "Beater", and fled before it. Even up until the late [[Third Age]], orcs of the [[Misty Mountains]] knew of this legendary sword,<ref name="overhill">{{H|4}}, "[[Over Hill and Under Hill]]"</ref> so it must have done some damage.

+

Glamdring was originally borne by Turgon, the King of [[Gondolin]].<ref name="shortrest">{{H|3}}</ref> He must have wielded it with strength during the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] or the [[Fall of Gondolin]], for the [[Orcs]] named it "Beater", and fled before it. Even up until the late [[Third Age]], orcs of the [[Misty Mountains]] knew of this legendary sword,<ref name="overhill">{{H|4}}, "[[Over Hill and Under Hill]]"</ref> so it must have done some damage.

−

The name most likely originated in the [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]], where it is said that Turgon "hewed his way to the side of [[Fingon|his brother]]".<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> No other tales mention the actions of the sword, and it is unknown what happened to it during the Fall of Gondolin. Turgon perished as the [[Tower of the King]] fell on top of him, but of the fate of Glamdring nothing is told.<ref>{{S|23}}</ref>

+

The name most likely originated in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], where it is said that Turgon "hewed his way to the side of [[Fingon|his brother]]".<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> No other tales mention the actions of the sword, and it is unknown what happened to it during the Fall of Gondolin. Turgon perished as the [[Tower of the King]] fell on top of him, but of the fate of Glamdring nothing is told.<ref>{{S|23}}</ref>

===Survival===

===Survival===

−

The sword survived roughly 6500 years from the Fall of Gondolin in [[First Age 510|F.A. 510]] to its eventual rediscovery in [[Third Age 2941|T.A. 2941]]. In that period, it traveled from [[Gondolin]] to a [[Trolls|Troll]]'s cave in the [[Trollshaws]] of [[Eriador]], far in the East. Much mystery surrounds this feat, but Elrond reasoned that Glamdring (along with [[Orcrist]] and [[Sting]]) was plunderded from other plunderers, or carried off to the [[Misty Mountains]] soon after the Fall of Gondolin.<ref name="shortrest"/>

+

The sword survived roughly 6500 years from the Fall of Gondolin in {{FA|510}} to its eventual rediscovery in {{TA|2941}}. In that period, it traveled from [[Gondolin]] to a [[Trolls|Troll]]'s cave in the [[Trollshaws]] of [[Eriador]], far in the East. Much mystery surrounds this feat, but Elrond reasoned that Glamdring (along with [[Orcrist]] and [[Sting]]) was plunderded from other plunderers, or carried off to the [[Misty Mountains]] soon after the Fall of Gondolin.<ref name="shortrest"/>

===At Gandalf's side===

===At Gandalf's side===

−

In May [[Third Age 2941|T.A. 2941]], [[Gandalf]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] and [[Thorin and Company|a group of dwarves]] encountered three trolls in the Trollshaws - [[William Huggins|William]], [[Bert]] and [[Tom]]. The Trolls captured Bilbo and the Dwarves, but Gandalf destroyed them by exposing them to sunlight. Glamdring, along with [[Orcrist]] and [[Sting]], were found in their cave nearby.<ref name="mutton">{{H|2}}</ref> Gandalf claimed the weapon as his own, amazed by its appearance and inscription. The inscription was set in a script of [[runes]] Gandalf [[Gondolinic Runes|did not know]]; he needed the knowledge of Elrond for that. Elrond translated the runes, and called it by its Mannish name: "Foe-hammer".<ref name="shortrest"/>

+

In May {{TA|2941}}, [[Gandalf]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] and [[Thorin and Company|a group of dwarves]] encountered three trolls in the Trollshaws - [[William]], [[Bert]] and [[Tom]]. The Trolls captured Bilbo and the Dwarves, but Gandalf destroyed them by exposing them to sunlight. Glamdring, along with [[Orcrist]] and [[Sting]], were found in their cave nearby.<ref name="mutton">{{H|2}}</ref> Gandalf claimed the weapon as his own, amazed by its appearance and inscription. The inscription was set in a script of [[runes]] Gandalf [[Gondolinic Runes|did not know]]; he needed the knowledge of Elrond for that. Elrond translated the runes, and called it by its Mannish name: "Foe-hammer".<ref name="shortrest"/>

Gandalf would use the sword well; its first victim was the [[Great Goblin]]. Other Orcs fled as they recognized the sword as "Beater". This means that either some Orcs were at the [[Fall of Gondolin]], or that they had legends about two glowing swords - Beater and [[Orcrist|Biter]].<ref name="overhill"/> Whether Gandalf used the sword again during the [[The Hobbit|Quest for Erebor]] is uncertain, though it is likely that he wielded it in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].

Gandalf would use the sword well; its first victim was the [[Great Goblin]]. Other Orcs fled as they recognized the sword as "Beater". This means that either some Orcs were at the [[Fall of Gondolin]], or that they had legends about two glowing swords - Beater and [[Orcrist|Biter]].<ref name="overhill"/> Whether Gandalf used the sword again during the [[The Hobbit|Quest for Erebor]] is uncertain, though it is likely that he wielded it in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].

−

Gandalf bore Glamdring at his side when the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] left [[Rivendell]] in [[Third Age 3018|T.A. 3018]].<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> He used the blade during the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]], and a short time thereafter in the standoff with [[Durin's Bane|the Balrog]].<ref>{{FR|II5}}</ref> After the collapse of the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm|bridge]], Gandalf and the Balrog fought on to the [[Endless Stair]] and [[Durin's Tower]], but in his recollection of the event he does not tell whether he used Glamdring or his staff in the [[Battle of the Peak]].<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

+

Gandalf bore Glamdring at his side when the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] left [[Rivendell]] in {{TA|3018}}.<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> He used the blade during the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]], and a short time thereafter in the standoff with [[Durin's Bane|the Balrog]].<ref>{{FR|II5}}</ref> After the collapse of the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm|bridge]], Gandalf and the Balrog fought on to the [[Endless Stair]] and [[Durin's Tower]], but in his recollection of the event he does not tell whether he used Glamdring or his staff in the [[Battle of the Peak]].<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

Gandalf's spirit perished there, but was sent back because his task was not yet complete. He had Glamdring with him when he met the [[Three Hunters]]; he gave it to [[Háma]] at [[Edoras]], when asked to surrender it.<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref> Gandalf would continue to bear it throughout the [[War of the Ring]], and carried it at his side when he, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] arrived at the [[Prancing Pony]] in [[Bree]]. Gandalf and the Hobbits had seen so much war at the time that wearing a weapon did not seem odd.<ref>{{RK|VI7}}</ref>

Gandalf's spirit perished there, but was sent back because his task was not yet complete. He had Glamdring with him when he met the [[Three Hunters]]; he gave it to [[Háma]] at [[Edoras]], when asked to surrender it.<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref> Gandalf would continue to bear it throughout the [[War of the Ring]], and carried it at his side when he, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] arrived at the [[Prancing Pony]] in [[Bree]]. Gandalf and the Hobbits had seen so much war at the time that wearing a weapon did not seem odd.<ref>{{RK|VI7}}</ref>

===Fate===

===Fate===

−

On [[29 September|September 29]], [[Third Age 3021|T.A. 3021]],<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> Gandalf left [[Middle-earth]] and sailed into the West.<ref>{{RK|VI9}}</ref> Whether he took Glamdring with him is never mentioned, and is open to debate. It can be argued that he brought it over the Sea, like he did with [[Shadowfax]],<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 268]] (dated [[19 January|January 19]], [[1965]])</ref> and because he had been carrying the sword for over 80 years. There would, however, be little need for a weapon in [[Valinor]], as there was little love left for any weapon in the Blessed Realm after the [[First Kinslaying]].{{fact}}

+

On [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}},<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> Gandalf left [[Middle-earth]] and sailed into the West.<ref>{{RK|VI9}}</ref> Whether he took Glamdring with him is never mentioned, and is open to debate. It can be argued that he brought it over the Sea, like he did with [[Shadowfax]],<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 268]] (dated [[19 January|January 19]], [[1965]])</ref> and because he had been carrying the sword for over 80 years. There would, however, be little need for a weapon in [[Valinor]], as there was little love left for any weapon in the Blessed Realm after the [[First Kinslaying]].{{fact}}

When he took the sword, Gandalf said he could not read the runes. Elrond did, however. This could be considered strange, because in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Gandalf is portrayed as a person of at least equal wisdom and knowledge to Elrond.

+

When he took the sword, Gandalf said he could not read the runes. Elrond did, however, as he was savant of all kinds of runes.

−

A fitting explanation would be the "[[Gondolinic Runes]]", devised by Tolkien in either 1924 or 1930. This set of Runes was first published in 1992.<ref>First published in ''[[Mythlore]]'' 69, pages 20-25 (edited by [[Paul Nolan Hyde]]), analysed in issue 70, pages 23-24 (by [[Carl F. Hostetter]]). See also [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Gondolinic Runes", in ''[[Parma Eldalamberon]]'' 15 (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]]), page 111-113 </ref> In this script, an inscription "GLAMDRING" would read like "[[Gondolinic Runes#Examples|MZ(unknown)ŪNRIM]]" in [[Angerthas Moria]].<ref>[[Lisa Star]], "[http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/9902/runegond.html Runes of Gondolin]"</ref> The actual inscription remains unclear, however.

+

A fitting explanation would be the "[[Gondolinic Runes]]", devised by Tolkien in either 1924 or 1930. This set of Runes was first published in 1992.<ref>First published in ''[[Mythlore]]'' 69, pages 20-25 (edited by [[Paul Nolan Hyde]]), analysed in issue 70, pages 23-24 (by [[Carl F. Hostetter]]). See also [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Gondolinic Runes", in ''[[Parma Eldalamberon 15]]'' (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]]), page 111-113 </ref>.

In 1960, Tolkien began a complete rewrite of the Hobbit in which he added the fact that Glamdring was covered in dark blood when Gandalf found it, explaining why the runes were unreadable until cleaned by Elrond.<ref>{{HM|RB}}, page 799</ref>

In 1960, Tolkien began a complete rewrite of the Hobbit in which he added the fact that Glamdring was covered in dark blood when Gandalf found it, explaining why the runes were unreadable until cleaned by Elrond.<ref>{{HM|RB}}, page 799</ref>

Line 51:

Line 51:

==Portrayal in adaptations==

==Portrayal in adaptations==

−

[[Image:Bakshi-lotr.jpg|thumb|Glamdring in a promotional image for [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]].]]

+

[[File:Bakshi-lotr.jpg|thumb|Glamdring in a promotional image for [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]].]]

:Glamdring is found in the cave of the trolls, and later named by Elrond. Gandalf himself recounts how it was once borne by the King of Gondolin.<ref>''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]'', "[[Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire (episode)|Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire]]"</ref>

+

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''

−

+

−

'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''

+

:Gandalf acquires Glamdring in the trolls' cave. Elrond recognizes the sword at first glance; perhaps he simply deduces the fact that it was Glamdring because he had identified its mate Orcrist just before. After leaving [[Rivendell]], Gandalf notably uses the sword only when rescuing Bilbo and the Dwarves from Goblin-town.

:Gandalf acquires Glamdring in the trolls' cave. Elrond recognizes the sword at first glance; perhaps he simply deduces the fact that it was Glamdring because he had identified its mate Orcrist just before. After leaving [[Rivendell]], Gandalf notably uses the sword only when rescuing Bilbo and the Dwarves from Goblin-town.

:On promotional art, Glamdring is portrayed as an ordinary longsword, with no inscription visible. In the movie itself, it goes unnamed, and is considerably shorter, only a one-handed sword.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'', "[[Gandalf Triumphant]]'</ref>

+

:On promotional art, Glamdring is portrayed as an ordinary longsword, with no inscription visible. In the movie itself, it goes unnamed, and is considerably shorter, only a one-handed sword.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]], "[[Gandalf Triumphant]]'</ref>

−

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''

+

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''

:Gandalf does not use a sword, only his staff.

:Gandalf does not use a sword, only his staff.

−

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''

+

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

−

:Glamdring is not named, and the presence of a sword is mentioned only once: when Gandalf has to surrender it to [[Háma]].<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'', "[[The King of the Golden Hall (episode)|The King of the Golden Hall]]"</ref>

+

:Glamdring is not named, and the presence of a sword is mentioned only once: when Gandalf has to surrender it to [[Háma]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]], "[[The King of the Golden Hall (episode)|The King of the Golden Hall]]"</ref>

−

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''

:Glamdring is an Elven longsword. It glows with pale light when enemies are near.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'', Manual, page 9</ref>

+

:Glamdring is a name given to the sword of Gandalf in the film's promotional materials, but it is not named in the films. The sword is, according to most replicas, 47 inches (approximately 120 centimeters) long<ref>''[[The Noble Collection]]'' Glamdring, [http://www.weaponmasters.com/shopping/Glamdring-The-Sword-of-Gandalf-p-16913.html Weaponmasters.com]</ref>, and does not glow blue. When asked, [[Peter Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens]] reacted jokingly that is was due to "budgetary cuts", and they had "not enough blue left".<ref>[[Peter Jackson]], [[Philippa Boyens]], [[Fran Walsh]] (eds.), [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (extended edition)]], "[[A Journey in the Dark (scene)|A Journey in the Dark]]", Director Commentary</ref>

−

+

−

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''

+

−

:Glamdring is a name given to the sword of Gandalf in the film's promotional materials, but it is not named in the films. The sword is, according to most replicas, 47 inches (approximately 120 centimeters) long<ref>''[[The Noble Collection]]'' Glamdring, [http://www.weaponmasters.com/shopping/Glamdring-The-Sword-of-Gandalf-p-16913.html Weaponmasters.com]</ref>, and does not glow blue. When asked, [[Peter Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens]] reacted jokingly that is was due to "budgetary cuts", and they had "not enough blue left".<ref>[[Peter Jackson]], [[Philippa Boyens]], [[Fran Walsh]] (eds.), ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Special Extended DVD Edition]]'', "[[A Journey in the Dark (scene)|A Journey in the Dark]]", Director Commentary</ref>

+

:The rune inscription is engraved in the cross-guard, and adds power to the sword. With this extra power Gandalf was able to defeat [[Durin's Bane]].<ref name="lotrwaw">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', page 68-69</ref> The actual inscription reads as thus:

:The rune inscription is engraved in the cross-guard, and adds power to the sword. With this extra power Gandalf was able to defeat [[Durin's Bane]].<ref name="lotrwaw">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', page 68-69</ref> The actual inscription reads as thus:

Line 77:

Line 72:

:This is [[Sindarin]], and translates to "Turgon, king of Gondolin, wields, has, and holds the sword Glamdring, Foe of Morgoth's realm, Hammer of the Orcs".<ref name="lotrwaw"/>

:This is [[Sindarin]], and translates to "Turgon, king of Gondolin, wields, has, and holds the sword Glamdring, Foe of Morgoth's realm, Hammer of the Orcs".<ref name="lotrwaw"/>

−

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit]]'':'''

+

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''

−

:As this game focuses on Bilbo rather than the entire group, Glamdring is never named, and only appears once, when Gandalf and the player (as Bilbo) have to wield off several goblins in the Misty Mountains.<ref>''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)]]'', "Over Hill and Under Hill"</ref> An alternative survival theory is also given: the caves in the Trollshaws were - according to [[Glóin (Son of Gróin)|Glóin]] - dug by the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] during his reign in the region.<ref>''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)]]'', "Troll-hole"</ref>

+

:Thorin finds several swords in the troll hoards, and gives one to Gandalf. In Rivendell, Elrond identifies it as Glamdring, and in Goblin Town, the Great Goblin recognizes it as Beater.

:Glamdring is found in the cave of the trolls, and later named by Elrond. Gandalf himself recounts how it was once borne by the King of Gondolin.<ref>[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]], "[[Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire (episode)|Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire]]"</ref>

+

+

===Games===

+

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

+

:Glamdring is an Elven longsword. It glows with pale light when enemies are near.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], Manual, page 9</ref>

:As this game focuses on Bilbo rather than the entire group, Glamdring is never named, and only appears once, when Gandalf and the player (as Bilbo) have to wield off several goblins in the Misty Mountains.<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Over Hill and Under Hill"</ref> An alternative survival theory is also given: the caves in the Trollshaws were - according to [[Glóin (Son of Gróin)|Glóin]] - dug by the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] during his reign in the region.<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Troll-hole"</ref>

The name most likely originated in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, where it is said that Turgon "hewed his way to the side of his brother".[3] No other tales mention the actions of the sword, and it is unknown what happened to it during the Fall of Gondolin. Turgon perished as the Tower of the King fell on top of him, but of the fate of Glamdring nothing is told.[4]

Survival

The sword survived roughly 6500 years from the Fall of Gondolin in F.A.510 to its eventual rediscovery in T.A.2941. In that period, it traveled from Gondolin to a Troll's cave in the Trollshaws of Eriador, far in the East. Much mystery surrounds this feat, but Elrond reasoned that Glamdring (along with Orcrist and Sting) was plunderded from other plunderers, or carried off to the Misty Mountains soon after the Fall of Gondolin.[1]

At Gandalf's side

In May T.A.2941, Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins and a group of dwarves encountered three trolls in the Trollshaws - William, Bert and Tom. The Trolls captured Bilbo and the Dwarves, but Gandalf destroyed them by exposing them to sunlight. Glamdring, along with Orcrist and Sting, were found in their cave nearby.[5] Gandalf claimed the weapon as his own, amazed by its appearance and inscription. The inscription was set in a script of runes Gandalf did not know; he needed the knowledge of Elrond for that. Elrond translated the runes, and called it by its Mannish name: "Foe-hammer".[1]

Gandalf would use the sword well; its first victim was the Great Goblin. Other Orcs fled as they recognized the sword as "Beater". This means that either some Orcs were at the Fall of Gondolin, or that they had legends about two glowing swords - Beater and Biter.[2] Whether Gandalf used the sword again during the Quest for Erebor is uncertain, though it is likely that he wielded it in the Battle of Five Armies.

Gandalf's spirit perished there, but was sent back because his task was not yet complete. He had Glamdring with him when he met the Three Hunters; he gave it to Háma at Edoras, when asked to surrender it.[9] Gandalf would continue to bear it throughout the War of the Ring, and carried it at his side when he, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin arrived at the Prancing Pony in Bree. Gandalf and the Hobbits had seen so much war at the time that wearing a weapon did not seem odd.[10]

Fate

On 29 September, T.A.3021,[11] Gandalf left Middle-earth and sailed into the West.[12] Whether he took Glamdring with him is never mentioned, and is open to debate. It can be argued that he brought it over the Sea, like he did with Shadowfax,[13] and because he had been carrying the sword for over 80 years. There would, however, be little need for a weapon in Valinor, as there was little love left for any weapon in the Blessed Realm after the First Kinslaying.[source?]

Appearance

Glamdring and Orcrist are described in The Hobbit as having "beautiful scabbards and jeweled hilts".[5] They would glow blue in the presence of Orcs. The "sword of Turgon" (not directly identified as Glamdring) had "a white and gold sword in a ruel-bone (ivory) sheath".[14]

Rune inscription

Glamdring by Audrey Corman

When he took the sword, Gandalf said he could not read the runes. Elrond did, however, as he was savant of all kinds of runes.

A fitting explanation would be the "Gondolinic Runes", devised by Tolkien in either 1924 or 1930. This set of Runes was first published in 1992.[15].

In 1960, Tolkien began a complete rewrite of the Hobbit in which he added the fact that Glamdring was covered in dark blood when Gandalf found it, explaining why the runes were unreadable until cleaned by Elrond.[16]

Etymology

The word Glamdring is a Sindarin name meaning Foe-hammer in Westron;[1] it is comprised of two elements. The first element is glam. This word has a long history in Tolkien's mind, but always had evil connotations. In its earliest appearances, it meant "fierce hate",[17] but later, its meaning became "shouting, confused noise", and became (poetically) associated with Orcs (cf. glamhoth).[18] The second element is dring, said to mean "hammer".[18] The sword was also given the crude name Beater by the Orcs.[2]

Portrayal in adaptations

Films

Gandalf acquires Glamdring in the trolls' cave. Elrond recognizes the sword at first glance; perhaps he simply deduces the fact that it was Glamdring because he had identified its mate Orcrist just before. After leaving Rivendell, Gandalf notably uses the sword only when rescuing Bilbo and the Dwarves from Goblin-town.

Glamdring is a name given to the sword of Gandalf in the film's promotional materials, but it is not named in the films. The sword is, according to most replicas, 47 inches (approximately 120 centimeters) long[21], and does not glow blue. When asked, Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens reacted jokingly that is was due to "budgetary cuts", and they had "not enough blue left".[22]

The rune inscription is engraved in the cross-guard, and adds power to the sword. With this extra power Gandalf was able to defeat Durin's Bane.[23] The actual inscription reads as thus:

Games

As this game focuses on Bilbo rather than the entire group, Glamdring is never named, and only appears once, when Gandalf and the player (as Bilbo) have to wield off several goblins in the Misty Mountains.[26] An alternative survival theory is also given: the caves in the Trollshaws were - according to Glóin - dug by the Witch-king of Angmar during his reign in the region.[27]